Tuesday 7 March 2017 17:39, UK
Tyson Fury is still suspended by the British Boxing Board of Control and his licence is not close to being reinstated, the organisation has confirmed, putting a substantial roadblock in his plan to return to the ring.
A loophole to obtain an Irish licence with the Boxing Union of Ireland has also been shut down, it has been confirmed.
On Monday, the former world heavyweight champion claimed he would end his exile in May. Since beating Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015, he was stripped of the IBF title, then gave up his other titles for medical reasons leading to his licence being suspended by the BBBofC.
"My understanding is a fact - he's suspended, so that's it," BBBofC general secretary Robert Smith exclusively told Sky Sports on Tuesday.
He's got a number of issues to consider before we even consider lifting a suspension.
"He's got a number of issues to consider before we even consider lifting a suspension.
"We've not had any contact with Mr Fury or any of his team since he was suspended. We understand there is a hearing taking place for anti-doping, and until that matter is dealt with, the suspension will stay in place.
"[UK Anti-Doping] carry out all of our anti-doping issues. His BBBofC [licence] is suspended until his UKAD hearing, on our behalf, has taken place. I'm hoping to hear a final date shortly, within the next month or so.
"Mr Fury has a number of issues. It's not a matter of clicking your fingers - there are medical issues to consider, for his best interest.
"We have not heard from Mr Fury - if he wants his suspension lifted, he must contact us to find out what he needs to do. He must send us documentation, for us to consider."
Asked about the possibility of Fury seeking a licence abroad, Smith said: "It depends who he went to box with. If he went to box with a commission that we are affiliated to, they would honour our suspension."
Boxing Union of Ireland president Mel Christle exclusively confirmed: "The protocol is that the BBBofC is, like the BUI, affiliated to the [European Boxing Union] and the World Boxing Council. We respect each other's decisions.
While he is suspended by a legitimate supervisory authority, we will respect that suspension.
"Until the suspension is dealt with, then an application would be considered with due fairness and proper deliberation. While he is suspended by a legitimate supervisory authority, we will respect that suspension."
UKAD exclusively confirmed to Sky Sports that a 'mandatory provisional suspension' handed out to Fury has been lifted after the boxer challenged the ruling, pending full determination of the charges, but BBBofC insist this is not enough to reinstate his licence.
The full UKAD statement read: "In response to public comments made by Tyson and Hughie Fury's representatives in August, UK Anti-Doping confirmed that both boxers were charged on 24 June 2016 with presence of a Prohibited Substance. Mandatory Provisional Suspensions were imposed pursuant to Article 7.9.1 of the UK Anti-Doping Rules.
[Fury's] charges will be heard at a hearing before the National Anti-Doping Panel in due course.
"The UK Anti-Doping Rules allow athletes to challenge the imposition of a Provisional Suspension and in August, the independent National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) lifted the athletes' suspensions, pending full determination of the charges. These charges will be heard at a hearing before the NADP in due course.
"UK Anti-Doping will not comment further on the case until due legal process has been completed."
